Jan. 30, 2014
|

President Obama on Jan. 30 in Wisconsin. / Scott Olson, Getty Images

by David Jackson, USA TODAY

by David Jackson, USA TODAY

Whenever he visits Wisconsin, President Obama has to perform what - for him - is a less-than-pleasant duty: Praising the Green Bay Packers.

Obama - a long-time fan of the Packers' main rival, the Chicago Bears - made the best of it, focusing instead on Packers fans (and voters).

"Now, I've always appreciated the hospitality that Packer Country gives a Bears fan," Obama said during a visit to a General Electric plant in Waukesha, near Milwaukee.

Referring to headgear worn by Packers fans, Obama said: "I remember when I was up here campaigning the first time and there were some "Cheeseheads for Obama" ... and I felt pretty good about that."

It wasn't like Obama could talk much smack. During the last week of the season, the Packers scored a last-minute win over the Bears in Chicago, earning themselves a spot in the playoffs while knocking the Bears out of the post-season.

Of course, Obama did appear to reference the fact that the Packers lost to San Francisco in the opening round of the playoffs.

"Neither of us feel that good about our seasons," Obama said. "But that's okay. There's always next year."